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Phrasal Verb - Getting down

· 3 min read
Raymundo CH

Image illustrating the verb Getting down

Image uploaded to Pixabay by Kranich17

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Definition

The phrasal verb "get down" is highly versatile, carrying multiple distinct meanings depending on the context in which it's used. It can refer to:

  1. To descend or lower oneself/something: This is the most literal meaning, signifying movement from a higher position to a lower one. For example, a person might 'get down' from a chair or a ladder, or an object might be 'gotten down' from a shelf.
  2. To depress or make someone sad/discouraged: In this sense, "get down" means to cause feelings of sadness, gloom, or despondency in a person. It often describes the emotional impact of news, circumstances, or events.
  3. To write, record, or note something: This usage implies the act of putting information onto paper or into a digital format, often quickly, to capture details, ideas, or instructions before they are forgotten.
  4. To focus or concentrate seriously on a task: Used informally, "get down" (often followed by "to") indicates beginning to apply oneself diligently and with determination to work, a project, or a particular activity.
  5. To dance or enjoy oneself enthusiastically (informal/slang): This meaning is common in social and entertainment contexts, referring to lively dancing, grooving to music, or generally having a very good, energetic time.
  6. To swallow or consume something (often with difficulty): This meaning relates to ingesting food or drink, particularly when the item is large, unpleasant, or difficult to swallow.

Examples

No.Example
1The children were told to get down from the table before they hurt themselves.
2Don't let a single failure get you down; learn from it and keep moving forward.
3I quickly tried to get down all the key points from the lecture in my notebook.
4Alright, enough procrastinating, let's get down to business and finish this report.
5The DJ played some incredible tracks, and everyone on the dance floor was really getting down.
6He struggled to get down the large, bitter-tasting medicine tablet.
7The gloomy weather and constant rain can sometimes get me down for days.
8The historian spent years trying to get down the oral traditions of the ancient tribe.
9The coach made the athletes get down and do fifty push-ups as part of their training.
10After a long week, all I want to do is get down and relax with a good movie.